Bruins Notebook: Krejci’s Possible Return Is Matched With New Challenges

Despite exciting developments over the course of the week in the Bruins’ franchise, Injuries are still piling up. Boston has definitely had its fair share of setbacks this season, and it’s only November.

Krejci’s Possible Return

The waiting might be over for center David Krejci, who could possibly return to the ice this Wednesday, versus Anaheim. After his shedding of the infamous, red, “non-contact” jersey at Monday’s practice, hopes began to rise regarding Krejci’s return.

After a month of recovery from a significant back injury, his return to the team would be extremely ideal as the team has posted a 3-3-3 record during his hiatus. Despite the recent injury struggles Boston has faced, the looks of Krejci’s return on Wednesday are promising, and Head Coach Bruce Cassidy isn’t holding him back.

“If he’s good to go [against Anaheim] he’s in. If he’s good to go Thursday he’d be in. Just waiting for them, the individual and the training staff.” Cassidy told NHL.com

As far as Krejci goes, aside from healing safely, getting back on the ice is his overall priority.

“As a player, you want to play, but you have to be safe with your health. [Wednesday’s] going to be a big day. Morning skate, talk to the doctors and go from there.” Krejci said to NHL.com

The veteran center split reps at Monday’s practice at the Honda Center with linemate Jordan Swarz between Frank Vatrano and Danton Heinen, according to NHL.com. Over the course of the 10 games Krejci has missed, the Bruins have lost seven other players, making his return crucial.

Bjork and Marchand Take a Break from the Ice

Anders Bjork and Brad Marchand were the next victims of Boston’s injury streak. They will not be playing the next two games, as an order from Cassidy. Both were injured in Saturday’s game against Toronto, from which the Bruins suffered a tough loss. This means more guys from Providence will have their chance to put in some ice time this season for Boston.

The Bruins called up wingers Kenny Agostino and Peter Cehlarik from Providence on an emergency basis, with hopes that the two, young players will fill in holes left from the two, injured left-wingers.

“I know they’ve used [Cehlarik] on the bumper before as well. He’s a big body in front, he’s got quick hands,” Cassidy said to NHL.com. “He gives you some of what Marchy does in terms of being able to recover a puck and put it in a good spot to make a play with it.”

Cehlarik currently has three goals and three assists with Providence, this season. According to Cassidy, the Slovakia native should be expected to play on that power-play unit with Krejci, and winger David Pastrnak, due to the game-winning results they’ve achieved together in the past.

“He’s used to playing with good skill and will complement them in terms of his ability to protect pucks and get to the net. Could be a good fit.” Cassidy stated to NHL.com

In making these moves, Cassidy views Saturday’s game against San Jose with confidence.

Bruins’ Owner Jeremy Jacobs Gets Hall of Fame Induction

Jeremy Jacobs has owned the Bruins since 1975, and has grown a franchise that continues to fit in with the exclusive atmosphere upheld by Boston’s professional sports teams. He delivered a heartfelt speech in Toronto, after getting inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in the building category, Monday night.

Family time is a big part of hockey for Jacobs, who mentioned specific events in Bruins history throughout his speech, that he spent with his family, watching.

“He brought the game to the forefront of my mind,” Jacobs said, about his father, Lou. “As I stand before you today, I know of nothing that I have done in my professional life that is as enjoyable and fulfilling as hockey. From the people I’ve met to the subjects that have taken me way out of my comfort zone, my career in hockey has been one of continuous fascination and learning.”

Weekly Recap

On Wednesday Boston fell 4-2 to the New York Rangers after forward Jimmy Vessey scored two goals in .29 seconds at Madison Square Garden. The Bruins lost 3-2 in Overtime on Thursday after the Maple Leafs tied the game in the third period in Toronto. Toronto prevailed again on Friday, 4-1, during a match in Boston.

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